Alberta Healthcare Workers File $125 Million Lawsuit Against AHS
A group of healthcare workers in Alberta have filed a $125 million lawsuit against Alberta Health Services (AHS) over the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The lawsuit, filed in Calgary on Wednesday, alleges that AHS failed to provide adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection control measures for its workers, putting them at unnecessary risk of contracting and spreading the virus. The plaintiffs, who include nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare staff, claim they were forced to work without proper protection, leading to exposure to the virus and negative health consequences. According to the statement of claim, AHS knew or ought to have known about the risks posed by COVID-19 and had a duty to provide a safe working environment for its employees. However, the lawsuit alleges that AHS failed to meet this duty, resulting in widespread exposure and infection among healthcare workers. “Our healthcare workers have been on the front lines of this pandemic, putting their lives at risk to care for others,” said David Fleming, one of the lawyers representing the plaintiffs. “AHS has failed them by not providing adequate PPE and infection control measures.” The lawsuit seeks damages of $125 million, including compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. It also seeks an injunction to force AHS to implement and enforce proper PPE and infection control protocols. “We are holding AHS accountable for their negligence,” said Fleming. “We want to ensure that our healthcare workers are provided with the protection they need to safely do their jobs.” The lawsuit comes as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to surge in Alberta. As of Wednesday, there were over 35,000 active cases in the province, with more than 1,100 people hospitalized. The lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal challenges against AHS over its handling of the pandemic. Earlier this year, a group of Alberta doctors filed a $100 million lawsuit alleging that the province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, made false and misleading statements about the risks of COVID-19. AHS has not yet responded to the lawsuit.
Alberta Healthcare Workers File $125 Million Lawsuit Against AHS
Date:
March 7, 2023
Source:
Global News
Details:
* A group of approximately 1,000 Alberta healthcare workers have filed a $125 million lawsuit against Alberta Health Services (AHS). * The lawsuit alleges that AHS failed to provide adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to widespread infection and illness among healthcare workers. * Plaintiffs claim they suffered physical and psychological harm, including severe illness, PTSD, and anxiety as a result of AHS’s negligence. * The lawsuit also alleges that AHS retaliated against healthcare workers who voiced concerns about safety issues. * The lawsuit seeks damages for pain and suffering, lost wages, and punitive damages.
Background:
* The COVID-19 pandemic exposed severe shortages of PPE and inconsistencies in safety protocols across healthcare facilities in Alberta. * Healthcare workers on the front lines of the pandemic faced significant risks and expressed concerns about their safety. * AHS has acknowledged the challenges faced by healthcare workers during the pandemic but has defended its response.
Reaction:
* The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE), which represents healthcare workers in the lawsuit, praised the plaintiffs for taking a stand. * AHS has expressed disappointment with the lawsuit and stated that it provided healthcare workers with the best available PPE and guidance throughout the pandemic. * The lawsuit is expected to proceed through the legal process, with a trial potentially scheduled for next year.